Royal Me This, Royal Me That ~ Disney in December, How About That? *Update 6-1* P26

[TarzansKat]

I'd be honored.

Hope it was worth the wait. We'll be anxiously waiting.

Yay for food porn! I mean ART- yeah, art...

And I'm sure I would've copped a squat on the floor to keep my DS entertained at that age too. ANYTHING to avoid a meltdown.

Can't wait to hear about the Brown Derby! I had to cancel our ADR there last trip and I know I am going to kick myself all over again when I see your Food Art!

Oh my goodness! I better get crackin' on my next chapter before you all mutiny! I mean revolt. Royals revolt, right?

 

[myrsfmly]

Oh my goodness! I better get crackin' on my next chapter before you all mutiny! I mean revolt. Royals revolt, right?

Yep, I think royals revolt... pirates mutiny... that's the other report...

 

[TarzansKat]

Yep, I think royals revolt... pirates mutiny... that's the other report...

It's so hard to keep my multiple personalities straight.

 

[jenjolt]

It's so hard to keep my multiple personalities straight.

It's okay TK...we love all of them equally!!!

Now when can we expect this update LOL...me thinks the natives are getting restless out there LOL!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

It's okay TK...we love all of them equally!!!

Now when can we expect this update LOL...me thinks the natives are getting restless out there LOL!!!

Well, I do have to be somewhat productive today.

Maybe.

Sort of.

Oh, heck I'll probably write it this afternoon if DS takes a nap for me.

 

[TarzansKat]

Dear Loyal Subjects,

His Royal Highness, of his own accord, has decreed that he shall be nap free...for the past two days.

Resulting in bouts of intermittent crankiness and general hyperactive behavior with frenzied spurts of energy which seem to have no known origin.

Therefore, this lady is..

well..

royally pooped.

Sincerely,
TK

P.S. Maybe if I'm lucky we'll get a chapter in tomorrow since the royal husband has some time off.

 

[maroo]

I can't wait to tell my husband, mom, nana, that I know someone on the DIS who actually saw all that when it was on the houses! I saw a Samantha Brown holiday special the other night and they showed what it looked like. It was breathtaking at MGM, I can't imagine what it would have looked like in a neighborhood!

Yeah...I didn't know till recently that they were the same Osbornes.

They live on this main street. Part of a neighborhood, but more of a main thoroughfare. I think the street is 5 lanes or something like that. They live in a big white house, actually has 2 houses on the property...and they used to COVER it from roof to ground with lights. And they had moving lights, etc. We used to go and park in a nearby side street and walk all the way to the house. They used to give out candy canes like a tourist attraction. It was so cool to look at. And was a Christmas tradition for our family for several years.

But the traffic was so, so bad. Rumor has it that an older lady died of a heart attack. They say that the ambulance could not get to her house...and that contributed to her death. So...no more lights.

My aunt now lives less than a mile from the Osborne house. I think they still do lights. But very minimal. I will have to find out when I am there this week! I might even snap a picture for you guys if I am over that way!

I feel like I have to ask now.

Yeah...I guess I set that one up...

I was making my peanut butter balls...and cooking pizza at the same time (hungry, ya know!)...and, well, I needed to move the pizza cookie sheet...and forgot it was hot...and moved it with my bare hand. But I was quick to put it under the cold water, so the damage was minimal...just blistered some. I am now using both hands to type, just missing a couple of fingers on the task. lol

 

[TarzansKat]

My aunt now lives less than a mile from the Osborne house. I think they still do lights. But very minimal. I will have to find out when I am there this week! I might even snap a picture for you guys if I am over that way!

I'd love a picture if you head that way!

Yeah...I guess I set that one up...

I was making my peanut butter balls...and cooking pizza at the same time (hungry, ya know!)...and, well, I needed to move the pizza cookie sheet...and forgot it was hot...and moved it with my bare hand. But I was quick to put it under the cold water, so the damage was minimal...just blistered some. I am now using both hands to type, just missing a couple of fingers on the task. lol

Well, I'm glad to hear it's not too bad and healing up nicely! Burning your hand is no fun. I've done it. Not recently, but I know exactly how you feel!

 

[TarzansKat]

Let's just give the restaurant it's full name in the title, huh? Because it deserves it. It deserves it in the same way that in A Pirate's Life for Three, MNSSHP should be written Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

It's that good, folks.

And never fails to impress. Both my mood and my palate.

Because let's just say at this point, I was really, really hungry. And so was HRH. Mom and Nana are like camels. A little snack and they can go all day without eating. Me, not so much.

So we were finally seated, and got a waiter that Mom and Nana knew very well, who had waited on them several times before, the most recent being in October when they went for the weekend.

Our waiter was friendly, and nice, and he LOVED Mom and Nana. So much so that let's just say there were some things that made it to the table during the meal that we didn't even order. And they never showed up on the bill either. Honestly, that man treated us like family. He called us all by name, and I think he even called my grandmother Mom or Mama. It was sweet. And that's one of the fun things about going with Mom and Nana. They really leave a collection of fans in their wake.

Now we were seated in one of those big booths on the opposite wall from where you first enter the restaurant, and that was really nice. We put me and HRH in the middle, and Mom and Nana on the outer edges. Sort of like a toddler barrier if you will. Now this resulted in HRH having a lot of room, on the table, and the window ledge to play with these.

And those cars kept him really entertained while he was waiting for food.

We ordered appetizers pretty promptly because HRH really needed something. I actually opted out. I really, really wanted to have room for dessert, and I just wasn't feeling any of the appetizers. Now the special soup that Mom and Nana requested was back on the menu, so there was no need for a special order. They were both very excited.

And I bet you are too.

Because for the most part on this trip, I took lots and lots of pictures of food...art. Ahem.

And Mom and Nana didn't even blink an eye. I told them I was doing it for the boards. I said, "you wouldn't believe how people go nuts over these pictures." A little shout out to the foodies, there.

So to start with, we had this:

The soup is Oyster Brie. Sorry about the flash. I got better at the food art as time went on, I swear. This was ordered by both Mom and Nana. Since it's a cream based soup, I just didn't feel safe ordering it. The older I get, the more lactose intolerant I am, and although it looked divine, it also looked like it would wreak havoc on my system. I did, however, have a taste, and it was amazing. So, rich, smooth, creamy. Not too cheesy to my taste, and not fishy tasting at all. Nana offered me a taste of the oyster, but I declined. Now, for Mom and Nana's take on it, they said it was good, but not as good as it has been in the past. It had a bit too much brie for them. I told them it was probably a different chef, you know? All in all, though, they liked it. Oh, and the celery and carrot sticks were a big hit for HRH. No joke. That boy really likes his veggies most days.

Next we moved on to our main dishes. No HRH was almost feeling full after his appetizer, but I really wanted to get some more food in him, and I had a bit of a dilemma. See, I had originally intended to order the Cobb Salad, but the way they had it listed on the menu, it was meant so be shared. Now, I knew Mom and Nana were going to share the Cobb, and that's what they did.

I also knew that after carrots and celery, there was no way my little nut was going to eat salad and have that be sustaining enough to see him through the night. So I did the mommy thing. The right thing. Now don't get me wrong, I'd actually debated ordering this very dish in September, because I really do enjoy it. I got the Thai Noodle Bowl. And I had them go light on the curry, because although I enjoy it, I didn't want the flavor to be too much for HRH.

So let it be said that HRH and I shared the noodle bowl, and Mom and Nana shared the Cobb.

Okay, I was so hungry when this came, I totally dug into it without taking a picture. So here's my recreation of what it looked like when it came.

The Cobb Salad was amazing as always. Mom and Nana let me have a little taste, yum yum. And the Thai Noodle Bowl was sooooooo good. I haven't had one in a few years, and I just love it. And honestly, I've never had it like that anywhere else. The way they do the coconut encrusted tofu, and the edamame, and the flavor of the broth. Oh, my my my. It was just divine, and I loved it. Now you're probably thinking that sounds a little exotic for a three year old, right? Wrong. See, to him, that noodle bowl was sketties. Sketties would be the word HRH uses for spaghetti. So pretty much anything that looks like that is good by him. That's my little Italian.

Now HRH was very, very well behaved during this meal. I was quite pleased actually. There were very few times that I had to reprimand him. But he was getting antsy towards the end of the meal. Because the thing is, there was a HUGE lag between our appetizers and our main course. Because Mom and Nana like to relax. And take their time. And not eat too fast. Which was fine. Because I know that. Going in. I knew that. I knew that.

Eventually, though, when I was hungry (remember TK had no appetizer) I kindly insisted that we order our main dishes. Now thank goodness it doesn't take a long time to make the Cobb and cook my noodles, eh? Cook my noodles. Ha. Ha. Ha. I laugh at my own jokes.

And the way we got HRH to stay at the table when he was antsy after the main course was to promise him dessert.

Worked like a charm. So we let him pick from the kids menu, and I don't remember exactly what it was called, but he got some kind of worms in dirt with ice cream. I decided to do something different and order the Pumpkin Cheesecake instead of my usual Grapefruit Cake. Nana got the Creme Brulee, and I don't think Mom ordered anything.

That didn't stop our waiter, however, from bringing all this.

Nana's Creme Brulee

My Pumpkin Cheesecake

The Bananas Foster Dessert

Christmas-y Chocolate Mousse

I don't have a picture of HRH's ice cream, unfortunately. He dug into that a little too fast for me to get one.

I should probably add there was a little bit of this with dinner, too...

Hee hee.

See those yummy extras? And let me just say, thank goodness. Because for some reason, the Pumpkin Cheesecake just seemed a little too rich for me, and that Bananas Foster ensemble, well that was just heaven. Now Nana really enjoyed her Creme Brulee and I had a taste and it was amazing. Sooooooo good. My mother is not a big dessert fan, but she had little tastes of different things. HRH put a good dent in his ice cream, and then had a bit of the Chocolate Mousse. I loved the holiday sprinkles, so much fun.

Really, HRH was in dessert heaven. Oh, who are we kidding, so was I!


Up Next - Where Do They Get All Those Wonderful Lights?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow! That really is dessert heaven! How awesome. And now I am craving chocolate at 8:30am!

And champagne... doesn't that just make everything better??

I am right there with you Hollywood Brown Derby. If there is anyone out there who hasn't tried it... you really must!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hehehe, you called your Mom and Nana camels. Hehehe. I can't get over that and actually had to reread a paragraph or two after reading that because I was so amused.

I love Hollywood Brown Derby. I just do, I am so looking forward to it. Isn't that tofu amazing and how they crust it, divine! Marc has tried to replicate the tofu and he's usually good but not that good.

A little dessert bribery never hurt anyone!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a delicious description of dinner! Yummy! I would love a bite of that pumpkin cheesecake for breakfast this morning.

 

[If U Had Wings]

You have me so hungry for HBD right now. The banana forster desert is to die for. I tried something new this past time and missed it so much.

 

[Sarilas]

O. M. G.

Bananas foster and creme brulee. Come to meeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

[jenjolt]

What a royal treat LOL (hehe I'm catching on) Your food art is simply divine and I felt like I was at the table with you!!!

I'm so looking forward to my dinunch there in January.

Those desserts looked so heavenly...I've been leaning towards the banana foster and I think you might have sealed the deal for me! Thanks!

 

[TarzansKat]

Goodness! Throw out some food art, and look at how you all respond!

Wow! That really is dessert heaven! How awesome. And now I am craving chocolate at 8:30am!

Nothing wrong with that!

And champagne... doesn't that just make everything better??

Oh, yes. Champagne does make everything better.

Hehehe, you called your Mom and Nana camels. Hehehe. I can't get over that and actually had to reread a paragraph or two after reading that because I was so amused.

I don't think I've ever used that analogy to them personally, but now I'm going to have to tell them just because it amused you so much. It's something we joke about a lot. How HRH and I need to be regularly fed or we get very cranky. The problem, as you'll see in later chapters, is that there's so much junk to tempt your toddler, it's very difficult to get him to focus on getting some good food in, and easing the crankiness. I say too much. I'm going to stop now.

What a delicious description of dinner! Yummy! I would love a bite of that pumpkin cheesecake for breakfast this morning.

That would make a nice breakfast.

You have me so hungry for HBD right now. The banana forster desert is to die for. I tried something new this past time and missed it so much.

It really was very, very good.

O. M. G.

Bananas foster and creme brulee. Come to meeeeeeeeeeeee!

Well, I guess we've found Lara's weak points. I'll be sure not to tell the TSA agents when I bail you out.

What a royal treat LOL (hehe I'm catching on) Your food art is simply divine and I felt like I was at the table with you!!!

Oh, I'm so glad. This is really my first food review, so I'm happy you enjoyed it.

I'm so looking forward to my dinunch there in January.

Will I be able to read about it?

Those desserts looked so heavenly...I've been leaning towards the banana foster and I think you might have sealed the deal for me! Thanks!

Well, I have to tell you, for me, it would be a toss up between that and the Grapefruit Cake. Now, let me preface that with you do not have to be a "cake person" to like this cake. It is very light, but moist, and an excellent flavor. Not overpowering, and the cream cheese in the frosting makes it heavenly. Heavenly.

So there's something for you to mull over.

 

[jenjolt]

Just when this Libra finally makes a decision you go and talk all gooey goodness about the Grapefruit cake LOL..Thanks TK LOL!!!!!

Yes you will be able to read about it if I ever come up with a title...I may be paying you for your title services..oh Creative one LOL!!

 

[maroo]

great update!!

I might just have to try the Brown Derby when I am there next time!

You called your Mom and Nana camels.

Very nice...and dare I say rare?...for them to bring ya extra stuff! I knew I liked your Mom and Nana!!! I bet they are a TRIP!

Sketties...how cute! You can call it spaghetti and he eats even the "strange" stuff! What a precious child you have! Funny and sweet!

I love that you laugh at your own jokes! I do that!

I can't wait to hear you talk about those lights. We are supposed to drive by their house tonight or tomorrow and I will let you know if they have any decorations up. My parents said they used to have an American flag up (huge, made of lights) but they took it down because they got fed up with Bush. That is funny no matter what party you belong to!

 

[TarzansKat]

Just when this Libra finally makes a decision you go and talk all gooey goodness about the Grapefruit cake LOL..Thanks TK LOL!!!!!

I'm a Libra, too! And you know what the funny thing is? I hadn't planned a repeat visit to the Brown Derby for our next family vacation, but writing my review makes me second guess myself!!

Yes you will be able to read about it if I ever come up with a title...I may be paying you for your title services..oh Creative one LOL!!

Well, I am happy to help, free of charge my dear.

great update!!

I might just have to try the Brown Derby when I am there next time!

It's soooo good.

You called your Mom and Nana camels.

Had I but known how funny this would be to everyone! I think I'll wait until everyone's had a glass of wine tomorrow before I hit them with it.

Very nice...and dare I say rare?...for them to bring ya extra stuff! I knew I liked your Mom and Nana!!! I bet they are a TRIP!

They ceratinly are.

Sketties...how cute! You can call it spaghetti and he eats even the "strange" stuff! What a precious child you have! Funny and sweet!

He didn't have a ton, but enough to make me happy. I'm so proud of him when he tries things like that. I very, very rarely will discourage him from trying a new food. It has to be something I know he really won't like. Even then sometimes, we let him go for it, just for the experience. I'd rather have him try it once and not like it than not at all.

I love that you laugh at your own jokes! I do that!

I think I get that from my Granddad.

I can't wait to hear you talk about those lights. We are supposed to drive by their house tonight or tomorrow and I will let you know if they have any decorations up. My parents said they used to have an American flag up (huge, made of lights) but they took it down because they got fed up with Bush. That is funny no matter what party you belong to!

Okay, that is totally funny! I can't wait to hear if they have lights up.

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh. My. God.

Never in my life, folks. Never in my life.

But before we get to the Osbourne Lights, let's talk about the little journey we took to get there. After a little pit stop for all, we were ready to leave our wonderful, wonderful Brown Derby meal and head on out to see the Osbourne Lights. We went by way of Pixar Place. Mostly for ha has, to see how long of a wait TSM was. All the fastpasses gone and about 90 minutes. No, thank you. I came to see some decorations!

But we did stop along the way, and HRH played in the little shop they have off to the side. I like to let him do this because it helps him to blow off some steam, and plus, it was getting very close to bed time, and we'd had a long day. He went right for the Slinky Dog again. I don't know if this was in my September trip report or not, but that boy LOVES that Slinky Dog from Toy Story.

Three guesses as to what happened next?

While HRH is distracted, Mom grabs one, has the CM ring it and ships it to the resort. Can you say Christmas present? Either that or birthday, I'm not sure. And honestly, if she hadn't, I would have. That's the second time I've watched him play with that, and it would definitely have been purchased.

So after he'd had his fill, we made our way over to the Osbourne Lights.

Oh. My. God.

Honestly, this is a time when words...well, they just don't do it justice. I must tell you, kids, this was without a doubt, my favorite thing on the whole trip. And honestly, this first night was my favorite night. Wonderful meal, good time, amazing, amazing Christmas lights.

I felt like a kid. I had tears in my eyes, and I watched HRH watch the lights, and Mom and Nana watch the lights and we all took it in together for the first time. And in that moment, I was glad that I came. Glad that I put myself out there, even though I knew it would be hard.

It was just...unbelievable.

And then the timing to music! The way the lights synced up with different holiday songs! Could it get any better?

Now, it was a little too loud for HRH, so there's actually this hilarious photo of me holding my hands over his ears, him staring at the lights, and me staring at the lights with my jaw wide open. I mean wide open. "Close your mouth, Michael, we are not a codfish." Seriously.

I know I said I felt like a kid. I did. I felt about five years old. I felt young, and innocent. Don't laugh. I felt that wonder that you can only feel when you're little. I don't know why it took that many lights to do it for me, but it did. Every inch of every building covered. So, so, so beautiful.

And it's so beautiful, dear friends, that all the photos are going to be in an entirely separate post. I don't even know if they'll fit in one.

We shall see.

And I had no plans to write this today. But I thought, what better gift to all of you on Christmas Eve than this royal discourse and some beautiful photos from the happiest place on earth?

Who wants to feel five again?